The proposed constitutional amendment banning marriage rights for gay couples is in front of two Wisconsin legislative committees.The Republican controlled body first approved the amendment in 2004, but under Wisconsin law, the legislature must pass any amendment to the state Constitution in two consecutive sessions. The amendment's backers say it is necessary because the state's current law is too vague. Wisconsin law defines marriage as a union between a man and a wife. This amendment to the state constitution would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. It would also stop the state from recognizing any legal status that is "substantially similar" to marriage, such as civil unions. Source: Jen Christensen, PlanetOut Network, gay.com. For more information, please click here (last visited December 1, 2005, reo.)